The post-Hornsby Grateful Dead are pretty much a closed book to me. I have one show from 92 (Las Vegas 5-31) and in all honesty it isn't one of my favourites. Beyond that 93, 94 and 95 are more or less uncharted territory. So, my question is this: where would you recommend I stop off if I wanted to do a bit of exploring in the further reaches of the Grateful Dead's lifespan? Do you seriously think it's worth making the trip at all?

Honestly, the night to night magic is not there from 92 on. You have to search but there is some gold in those hills. I'd never tell anyone to stop at a certain point. That's the point of the site. Trial and error. Also, 92-95 gave us lots of technology and gizmos from the band. personally, I didn't like much of it but some folks do. A safe bet would be the Branford show from 94. Not the best of his gigs but there is some stuff that reminds you the boys could still do it.

I actually enjoy many shows from this era (as I do every era of Dead). My advice is to listen to these shows with an open mind. If you go in expecting a '77 barnburner you will be disappointed. Relax, chill out and let yourself get into the groove. Try not to notice what is so different from the years you enjoy - just take it for what it is. You may want to start with my favorites from the years you mentioned.

1993: 5/16/93 - Las Vegas (tight but short 1st set and monumental second set. Sure Vince is a bit over the top in places but listen to Garcia on tunes like Althea, Franklin's, Looks Like Rain. Hell - every single song in this show is great - even the Elvis space!)

1994: 10/1/94 (as many have pointed out - this may be the boys last truly epic show. Every song is performed as if it were the last time they would every play it. Others in this post have stated that these years will make you cry. They are right - just play So Many Roads from this show - Garcia's vocals will send shivers up your spine and send you running for the tissues. If that makes me a pussy - oh well. I always kind of like pussies myself!)

1995: A mixed bag here. I would probably go with 3/23/95 or 6/30/95 as my top picks. However, I always felt that 3/23/95 had a weak first set (jamming Scarlet/Fire though!). 6/30/95 is more consistent throughtout and probably the last show played by the band that was good from start to finish. I too would love to have a soundboard of this show.

Many others to choose from. This should provide a good start. Also pay attention to reviews and postings from Stratocastor - a good judge of the era in my opinion.

I thouroughly enjoyed the 91 fall runs at MSG and Boston Garden, both in person and listening to later on. Well played and with as much energy as could be expected from the old man. Couldn't hurt to start around there. For late Brent in 1990, I would go to Knicerbocker Arena in the late winter of '90. Any of those shows are outstanding.

I'm already in possession of September 91 Boston and NY shows and so fully in a position to recognise how sound your recommendations are. It's really 93-95 that I need help on - am I right in my sneaking suspicion that those aren't most people's favourite years?

Rob, while I know this is a blatant hijack ( sorry for that) and I am definitely not saying this show is a highlight from later years, (I would have a HARD time pointing the direction to an even half decent show from that era) if any one has a sbd from Three rivers 95' I would be much obliged!!!
Again Rob sorry for the hijack!!!

Hey rob, I'll give you a few suggestions, but as many have posted here, the gems are few and far between. The moments of greatness come in moments, not in shows. It's like the spirit is still there but it just can't sustain a show.